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Horoscopes · Systems of many cultures

Western (tropical) · Zodiac sign 9

♐︎ Sagittarius

Archer · Archer

Sagittarius ♐, the archer: a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter, 22 November – 21 December.

Sagittarius, the centaur-archer, is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. The centre of the Milky Way lies in its constellation. Astrologers associate it with exploration, philosophy and optimism.

The dates are approximate because the sun's entry into each sign shifts by a day or so from year to year; the calculator on this site gives the exact sign for a birth date and time. In traditional astrology a sign is read together with its planetary ruler, the house it occupies and the aspects to it, not in isolation.

Personality

optimistic · adventurous · philosophical · honest · generous · restless · independent

In Western astrology Sagittarius is described as the explorer and philosopher of the zodiac: optimistic, adventurous and always aiming at a distant goal. A mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter, symbolised by the centaur-archer, it is given a double nature joining animal vigour to human wisdom, and a love of travel, learning and big ideas.

Astrologers credit Sagittarius with enthusiasm, generosity, humour and frankness, along with a strong sense of meaning and a readiness to see the best in people and in the future. The challenges traditionally named are restlessness, bluntness that can wound, over-confidence and a tendency to promise more than can be delivered or to leave before things are finished.

In love Sagittarius is portrayed as warm, honest and fun-loving, a partner who needs freedom and shared adventures and who wilts in a relationship that feels like a cage. At work it is linked with teaching and higher education, law, religion, publishing, travel and anything with a wide horizon. Popular modern lists give turquoise (older lists topaz) as its stone, and traditional astrology connects the sign's buoyancy with the expansive nature of Jupiter.

Stone: Turquoise

Sources and further reading